Bulgaria celebrates Kukerlandia festival to dismiss evil spirits

Representing a synthesis of centuries-old traditions, customs, sounds and shades of light, the national mask festival Kukerlandia in the city of Yambol, Bulgaria brought colorful scenes with monsters and creatures performing rituals to dismiss evil spirits.

As an Antique age tradition, the festival has been kept alive for centuries by Thracians living in Bulgaria, Thrace and Greece. The district municipality holds Kukerlandia every year in Yambol before Lent and spring. People gathered in a local park and performed in ancient battle wear with bells on their belts in front of a jury.

Dozens of groups of "kukeri," which represent a deity personifying fecundity, took part and thousands of people gathered to watch. Visitors from Turkey and Greece also attended the festival, which included concerts, exhibitions and photography competitions.